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July 5, 2006
By JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
Staff writer
As far as Tony Harmer is concerned, he celebrated Independence Day on a frigid morning in February.
On that joyous day, Harmer left an adult foster care home and moved into his own place.
The modest one-bedroom on the top floor of a senior citizens apartment building on Holland's east side is certainly no
palace -- but it's all his and he likes it that way.
His life these days is more fulfilling and productive. Harmer can go to the movies, pick up a few things at Kmart, or
go garage sale hopping.
"I have total control," he said.
Harmer, 55, isn't getting any younger but the man carries the excited determination of a boy setting off on his first
fishing trip.
You see, Harmer has a dream.
The man with the thick salt and pepper goatee has struggled with obesity and bad knees, a weak heart and diabetes, but
those things will not stop him from getting healthier so he can one day travel to California to see the grandchildren he's
never met.
Helping him get back on his feet, and ultimately on that plane bound for the west coast, is a team of professionals from
Senior Resources, an Area Agency on Aging.
Based in Muskegon, the resource center serves Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties.
Senior Resources is a type of one-stop shop for human service needs in the community, and the kind of catch-all service
envisioned in a new pilot program in Michigan.
This month, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced four awards worth $34.8 million over two years for Long Term Care Single
Point of Entry (SPE) demonstration sites.
"These awards help move Michigan toward offering an improved system that supports dignified, person-centered, and
quality lifestyles when there is a need for long term care," said Granholm.
The 27-month demonstration projects will be administered by the Department of Community Health, said Director Janet Olszewski.
"Single Points of Entry will help ensure that families are not forced to navigate a complex maze of agencies or services
when they may be in crisis, or at their most vulnerable, and in need of long term care supports," she said.
Michigan spends more than $2 billion in public and private money for the 1.2 million of the state's aging population,
and an additional number of people with disabilities who need long term supports and services.
Olszewski said Michigan's initial investment in Single Points of Entry will help ensure cost effectiveness by controlling
the growth of high cost services, and by coordinating the delivery of high quality services that people want to use.
"Getting access to accurate long term care options and information will soon be just one phone call away from people
in West Michigan," said Dee Scott, executive director of Senior Resources.
The governor awarded $9.15 million to the West Michigan SPE Demonstration Site, which will cover 12 counties including
Allegan and Ottawa.
Senior Resources, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, and HHS Health Options Inc. will develop the SPE Demonstration.
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Harmer is thankful for the people who take care of his special needs.
Harmer is one of a growing number of aging Americans who find they need some help -- some assistance with living -- but
they don't want to give up their homes and move into a nursing home or assisted living center.
He maneuvers through his apartment in a motorized chair, his round face tethered to an oxygen tank.
At one time, Harmer weighed 565 pounds and was battling bouts of cellulitis.
Today he weighs about 410 pounds and is on a strict diet and exercise regime through his work with supervising nurse Diana
Zlotnicki and social worker Angela Dalman of Senior Resources.
Until his knees and legs get stronger, the motorized chair helps Harmer get around town.
"I run like crazy in this thing," he said with a big laugh. Harmer even claims to do a little off-roading in
the chair.
"He wanted to be in his own home," said Zlotnicki. "And his choice was honored."
Just one the many pleasures of having his own place is that Harmer can cook his own meals.
The only problem with that is "I'm an excellent chef," he said, reminding himself not to overindulge in good
food.
It's about choices and freedom and even privacy, this desire to be in one's own home.
While living at the adult foster care facility, Harmer said, "I couldn't dictate when to do what I wanted to do."
Today, he is the master of his life -- with a little help from his friends.
While he enjoys living on his own, he treasures the friendship and care extended to him by the home visitors from Senior
Resources.
"It keeps you from giving up," he said.
"It helps me put purpose back into my life," said Harmer, with a nod of adoration toward Zlotnicki and Dalman.
Harmer, on disability for nearly a dozen years, is determined to get better so he can meet those grandkids -- he can't
imagine a better incentive.
According to the National Area Agencies on Aging Association, every 7 seconds another baby boomer turns 60 and becomes
eligible for aging services.
In Michigan it is projected that by the year 2030, more than two million people (1 out of 5) will be age 65 and older.
Counties in West Michigan have seen a significant increase, up to 32 percent, in the number of older citizens choosing
to reside in this region.
For more information about senior services call toll free 1-800-442-0054 or on the web at www.seniorresources.us.
Contact John Charles Robbins at john.robbins@hollandsentinel.com or (616) 546-4269.
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